New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Haryana government to pay a sum of Rs.3 Lakh each as monetary relief to the next of kin of two people who were electrocuted due to negligence of the state power distributor.
Prahlad and Rahul Mandal were electrocuted Aug 28, 2011 in Faridabad district “due to the negligence of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN)”, said the NHRC.
The NHRC also sought proof of payment from the government within six weeks.
Earlier, in response to the commission’s notices, the DHBVN as well as the Haryana Police had confirmed the deaths due to electrocution after the victims came in contact with an electricity pole wire but said the incident was accidental and not due to the negligence of electricity department.
The NHRC further called for a report from the chief electrical inspector of Haryana who held the DHBVN responsible for the fatal accident.
It had issued notice to the Haryana government demanding why monetary relief should not be paid to the next of kin of the deceased.
“Having received no response, the commission concluded that there was a violation of human rights to life due to the negligence of the DHBVN officials and, it being an undertaking of the Haryana government, the state was liable to compensate the family suitably,” said NHRC.
“The commission recommended Rs.3 lakh each as monetary relief to the families of both the deceased,” NHRC added.